Synchysite-(Ce) is a rare earth carbonate mineral often found in alkaline environments. It is best identified by its distinct tabular, pseudohexagonal habit and typical tan or yellow-brown coloration, frequently occurring with other rare earth minerals.
Is this synchysite-(ce)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch synchysite-(ce) with a known reference. Synchysite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to subadamantine, may be greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, gray, grayish yellow, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: pseudo rhombohedral.
Often confused with
Synchysite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside synchysite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with synchysite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaCe(CO₃)₂F
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 3.90 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to subadamantine, may be greasy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo rhombohedral
- Cleavage
- Indistinct on {0001}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- An uncommon hydrothermal accessory mineral in granites and alkalic syenites
Where rockhounds find synchysite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Narssârssuk, and in the Ilímaussaq intrusion, Greenland
- Holmestrand, Norway
- Valle de Arán, Lerida Province, Spain
- Predazzo, Trentino-Alto Adige, and on the east flank of Pizzo Cervandone, Alpe Devero, Val d’Aosta, Piedmont, Italy
- Piz Blas, Val Nalps, and at La Bianca, Val Casatscha, Grisons, Switzerland
- Kaiserer and Lohningbruch quarries, Rauris Valley, Salzburg, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: An uncommon hydrothermal accessory mineral in granites and alkalic syenites. If you start seeing astrophyllite, catapleiite, neptunite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pseudo rhombohedral. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify synchysite-(ce)?+
Where is synchysite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like synchysite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with synchysite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does synchysite-(ce) form in?+
What is synchysite-(ce) used for?+
Find synchysite-(ce) on the map
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